La Casa del Camino and The Rooftop Lounge

Is there anything better than cocktails on the roof, overlooking the Pacific Ocean? Yes, there is – and that’s cocktails on the roof with a bartender that really knows how to make a good drink. And to make it even better, you can take your dog with you. La Casa del Camino hotel’s Rooftop Lounge is pure pleasure.

Known as a destination bar, with the best panoramic ocean views in Southern California, it’s a favorite with locals as well as tourists. They are well known for their hand-muddled mojitos and Sunday Brunch, but you will absolutely have to try out their “Frozé” drink, which is Bacardi grapefruit rum, Martini Rossi rose, and peach and cranberry juice! Together with the best drinks in Southern California – and the best view – the chef whips up some truly delightful appetizers and snacks like coconut breaded shrimp (try it with a Mai Tai) and warm baby brie with raspberry sauce, almonds, figs, cranberry and crackers (good with a mimosa or a nice glass of Napa Valley chardonnay), and first-class appetizers like the lobster mac ‘n cheese.

If you’re coming in from out of town, you can stay at the historic boutique hotel the bar sits on top of. The hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Laguna Beach, and was once a popular seaside retreat for Hollywood celebrities back in the roaring twenties. The hotel has ten, one-of-a-kind themed rooms, each one designed by a different California interior designer.